The section on Hungary in the Amnesty International Report published on 25th February 2015 is superficial and biased. It does not recognise or conceals information on actions taken by the Hungarian government on specific matters.

The amendment of electoral legislation was made in accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Court of Hungary. The elections held in 2014 reliably represented the will of voters. The result of the most recent by-election clearly proves that the electoral system does not favour one political party over others.

In compliance with a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, Hungary has provided the right to hope of pardon for prisoners serving whole-life sentences. However, in line with demand in society, the Hungarian government maintains its strict policy on matters of criminal law. Assisting offenders to reintegrate into society is nevertheless also part of this policy.

The Government is still developing legislation related to churches. Its course of action is being guided by the rulings of the Constitutional Court of Hungary and the European Court of Human Rights.

As the issue of refugees and asylum seekers is a global phenomenon, the Hungarian government urges unified European regulation and action. A distinction should be made between refugees persecuted for their religious or political beliefs or for other reasons, and economic migrants.

The Hungarian government rejects unlawful segregation in any form and is committed to further developing equal opportunities in education – something of key importance in the social inclusion of disadvantaged children.  In line with this objective, in 2013 the Ministry of Human Capacities set up the Anti-segregation Roundtable. Politicians and experts agree that in this regard only education of high quality can lead to success.

(Ministry of Justice)